About “Hard Times”

“Hard Times” describes the depression that lead singer Hayley Williams had in 2016 due to personal issues in the band as well as confronting themes of growing up. She told The New York Times:

You can run on the fumes of being a teenager for as long as you want, but eventually life hits you real hard.

The playful ‘80s vibe of the song is also contrasted with Hayley’s new look; she dyed her trademark bright hair a dull white as a kind of “blank slate.”

“Hard Times” was released on April 19, 2017 as the lead single from Paramore’s fifth album After Laughter, released on May 12, 2017. It is also their comeback single after a three-year hiatus and the first since drummer Zac Farro’s return.

What have the artists said about the song?

I didn’t even know if we were going to make another record. There was a moment where I didn’t even want it to happen. Then it was like, I want it to happen, but I don’t know how we’re going to do it. – Hayley Williams

What's with those xylophone/calypso sounds?

Guitarist Taylor York explained:

[As musicians we] can do whatever we want and then when Hayley gets on it, that’s what makes it Paramore…We’ve gotten to a point with our new music where we don’t really want to headbang anymore.

The New York Times also noted his explanation that his recent guitar tones and phrasings had been inspired by Afrobeat and other international sounds.